Outer Banks Child & Family Oriented

Scott Trabue’s Wild Horse Safari is an off-road eco-adventure that will deliver you and your family directly to the wild Spanish mustangs that have thrived on the northern Outer Banks for nearly 500 years. Your naturalist guide will carry you in custom open-air Safari Cruisers through 30 miles of beaches, dune and back-country sand lanes to discover the Outer Banks’ unique wildlife. Shore life including pelicans, dolphins and osprey are almost always present. You will hear stories about the Ghost Fleet and Outer Banks maritime history and learn about the mysterious petrified forest. Back Country Outfitters has exclusive access to the Spanish Mustang Preserve, where sightings of these regal wild horses are guaranteed, while your tour guide explains their Spanish Colonial heritage and the local preservation efforts. Reservations are required.

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is the nation’s largest and most complete existing example of the life-saving stations that were built along the Atlantic coast in the late 19th century to attend to shipwrecks and to rescue survivors. The 1874 Station was the first operational U.S. Life-Saving Service station built in North Carolina, serving until 1954. Chicamacomico has been partially restored, thanks to numerous volunteers who formed a nonprofit organization to save it, and it is now a fine museum and historic site; all structures are original buildings.

On a visit here you’ll see the 1874 Station, the 1911 Station, two cookhouses, water tanks and a cistern, a stable, a tractor shed, the smaller boathouse and a village home built in 1907. In the museum, you’ll learn about the U.S. Life-Saving Service Station and some of the rescues that occurred here. Artifacts, uniforms, rescue equipment, displays, video presentations and self-guided tours help complete your knowledge of place and history. These stations have many stories to tell. Life-Saving crews at Chicamacomico performed many daring rescues, including one of the greatest rescues of WWI, that of the British tanker Mirlo in 1918. When the Mirlo was sunk by the German submarine U-117, Chicamacomico’s crew rescued 42 of 51 British sailors. The gift shop is full of unique nautical items and works by local craftspeople plus books and old-fashioned toys.

The historic breeches buoy demonstration is held every Thursday at 2 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The 100th anniversary of the Mirlo rescue was commemorated on August 16, 2018, with a centennial event.

Check their website for special program information, admission fees and hours of operation and to see what is happening on any given day. Chicamacomico is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit raising all of its own funds; it has no federal, state or other budget.  

Corolla Wild Horse Fund's museum, gift shop and offices are located in Historic Corolla Village. Visit them to discover the fascinating history and legacy of the Banker strain of Colonial Spanish Mustangs. Mustangs were brought to the Outer Banks nearly 500 years ago and their descendants are still with us today, although this hardy, majestic breed is now highly endangered. The whole family can learn about the horses and their cultural significance by visiting the Fund's new exhibit and speaking with their knowledgeable staff. Donations are accepted and benefit the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, managers of the wild herd. All proceeds from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund gift shop also benefit the Fund and the wild horses. The Fund has a Porch Pick-Up program so you can shop online and pick up your merchandise on the porch. 

Open all year, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund also offers special programming, especially in the summer. Activities include a weekly event called Mustang Mornings in which their rehabilitation facility at the Betsy Dowdy Equine Center in Grandy will be open for visitors to see the rescued mustangs under the Fund's care and the work that they do with them. It's an opportunity to get an inside look at things and perhaps meet a horse you've heard much about. There are also Meet a Mustang events at various locations and times throughout the summer where visitors can see and pet a tamed and gentled mustang as well as Paint a Mustang events using wooden horses in various sizes. For current information on hours of operation and the scheduling of any of these events, see the Fund's website and Facebook page. All events are subject to cancellation.

Looking to get out on the water? Crystal Dawn, docked at Pirate's Cove Marina on the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, is a comfortable, 65-foot, double-decker party boat / head boat that's all about good times on the water. Whether you want to take the kids fishing in the sound and around Oregon Inlet or gather up your friends and family for a party cruise around Roanoke Island, they have got you covered. For sightseeing on the sound, Sunset Cruises are offered from 6 to 7:30 pm nightly in April, May, September and October. During the summer season in June, July, and August cruises are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Along the way you'll see lighthouses, historic sites, working watermen and wildlife like birds and dolphin. Crystal Dawn is available for private charters for birthday and anniversary celebrations, bachelor and bachelorette parties, small weddings, school groups, ashes at sea ceremonies, family functions and more. The boat can accommodate up to 100 passengers. On one of their half-day head boat fishing trips, you'll catch fish such as flounder, croaker, spot, trout, sea mullet, sea bass and more, depending on the season and conditions. All bait, tackle and licenses are furnished, and this is a great way to introduce kids to fishing. The on-board mate can help with everything. They limit the number of passengers on fishing trips to 50 for the comfort of all passengers. Ask about other tours, including the 4th of July Fireworks Cruise and Purple Martin Excursions in late July and early August.

Be sure to visit the Duck Town Park and Boardwalk. This fabulous 11-acre soundside green space is tucked inside the Village of Duck. The soundside boardwalk extends nearly a mile along the Currituck Sound and connects the town’s commercial village area. Park amenities include an amphitheater, the Town Green, a playground, a public kayak/canoe launch, a crabbing area, a picnic shelter, walking trails through the maritime forest and accesses to the Duck Boardwalk. The park is pet-friendly and even provides a doggie water fountain near the playground area. Free, family-friendly activities are held here year-round. The Duck Jazz Festival takes place each October, and other seasonal events are held throughout the year. For a complete, up-to-the-minute list of events happening in Duck Town Park, go to OuterBanksThisWeek.com, visit townofduck.com or or check them out on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.